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The first black model on the front cover of American Vogue, she
has revolutioned 70s fashion. Today she is a beautiful and elegant
business woman. We find her at her Villa in Palm Springs, together
with her daughter Anansa Sims, who is herself a model and a symbol
for girls who are bigger than a size 44

Famous for

She's been called "the super-girl next door", and is one of the
most legendary fashion models from the 1970s and 1980s. She was the
first black model to appear on the cover of Vogue US
(1974).

Particular features

A refined, harmonious beauty that reflects her own genetic mix:
her father is part Blackfoot Indian and her mother is a Louisiana
Creole.

What's said about her

In addition to her supermodel status, she's proven to be
versatile, talented and savvy. Her varied career includes two
singles and a record in the late 1970s, a book on beauty tips and
well-being (Beverly Johnson's Guide to a Life of Health and
Beauty published in 1981), several acting roles in films and
television, and the host of the reality show, She's Got the
Look. Beverly is also the creator of the Amekor brand, a line
of hair products for black women. "I've always considered my career
as a business...and turned my name into a brand."

Fashion quote

"Every model wants to be on the cover of Vogue, but at
the time I didn't realize what impact it would have - and continues
to have - on my life."

Causes she believes in

As a long-term active supporter of America's black community,
she is currently the spokesperson for ask4tell4, the
foundation that raises awareness and money to cure uterine
fibroids.

Hobbies

Staying active plays an important part of Beverly's life -
whether it's golfing or long walks, she rarely skips daily
exercise. Worth noting: before beginning her career as a model, she
was a champion swimmer.

Relationship status

Married twice, she has a daughter, Anansa, curvy model. Among
her exes, Chris Noth, a.k.a "Mr. Big" from Sex
and the City.

Birthday

October 13th.

Born in

Buffalo, NY.

Lives in

Palm Springs.

ANANSA SIMS

Famous for

She is a plus-size model.

Distinctive features

Her elegance and flawless skin.

About her

The daughter of record producer Danny Sims and supermodel
Beverly Johnson. When her parents got divorced in 1979 (she was
born in 1978), her father was granted her custody after a long
court battle. At the end of the 80's she went back to her
mother's. After graduating at the Buffalo State College,
she earned an MBA at Washington's Trinity College. Before starting
her modeling career she has worked as a business
analyst in Atlanta. She has a passion for maths.

Her career

She has always dreamt of being a model. She had a first try
during college years but realized right away she would never be a
size zero. After finishing her studies she had another try, this
time as a plus-size model. She immediately won a contract with
Wilhelmina, and got her first job within four hours of her
interview with the agency. She is one of the 8 models who
posed naked for Glamour US in November 2009. She is
working on a plus-size line of clothing focusing on jeans and
swimsuits. "I'm also writing my first book about being the child of
a celebrity and making the transition between hating my body to
loving every inch!".

Her causes
"Right now I'm getting involved with young women to encourage
positive body image, safe sex and healthy eating and lifestyle
choices. I also want to promote the importance of education to the
next generation".

Hobbies
She loves playing basketball, going to the movies, and relaxing at
home watching TV.